Deadline: 15-Jun-2026
The Envolve-PhD Health Sciences program provides funding for doctoral students from Portuguese-speaking African countries (PALOP) to support research, mobility, and scientific production in Health Sciences. Grants of up to €20,000 over 36 months are available, with a focus on research autonomy, international collaboration, and regional impact.
This initiative by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation aims to strengthen scientific capacity, institutional networks, and research visibility for students from Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, and São Tomé and Príncipe.
Program Overview
The Envolve-PhD Health Sciences program supports doctoral students in Health Sciences from PALOP countries to successfully complete their PhD studies.
Key objectives include:
- Funding essential research activities, fieldwork, and consumables
- Supporting scientific production and dissemination
- Promoting doctoral autonomy in project development and management
- Encouraging participation in academic networks and collaborative initiatives
- Enhancing the visibility of research regionally and internationally
Funding Details
- Maximum grant duration: 36 months
- Funding amount: Up to €20,000 per project
- Funding covers:
- Research and fieldwork costs
- Scientific mobility and internationalization
- Short-term training and specialized services
- Consumables, technical resources, and research equipment
- Dissemination of scientific results
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Nationality: Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, or São Tomé and Príncipe
- Program: Enrolled in a PhD program in Health Sciences
- Thesis: Approved doctoral thesis project by the scientific council of the higher education institution
- Education: Bachelor’s degree from a PALOP higher education institution
- Age limit: Under 38 years old as of 31 December 2026
How the Program Works
Application Process
- Submit online application via the designated platform within the specified timeframe
- Include all required documents:
- Research proposal
- Academic transcripts and records
- Detailed budget
- Selection process:
- Evaluated by a panel of Health Sciences experts
- Based on project quality, originality, regional relevance, academic background, and budget consistency
- Grant award: Up to six research grants will be given
- Acceptance: Selected candidates formalize the grant through an agreement outlining responsibilities and funding conditions
Key Benefits
- Financial support for doctoral research and fieldwork
- Opportunities for scientific mobility and international collaboration
- Access to training, specialized services, and resources
- Enhancement of research visibility and institutional cooperation
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly demonstrate originality and scientific merit of the research
- Explain the relevance of the project to your home country
- Provide a detailed and realistic budget
- Highlight opportunities for international collaboration
- Show ability to manage and develop your research project independently
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply?
Doctoral students in Health Sciences from PALOP countries under 38 years old with an approved PhD thesis project.
2. What is the maximum funding amount?
Up to €20,000 over 36 months.
3. How many grants will be awarded?
Up to six research grants in 2026.
4. What expenses are covered?
Research activities, mobility, fieldwork, consumables, specialized services, training, and dissemination.
5. Is international collaboration required?
Not mandatory, but encouraged to increase research visibility and impact.
6. How is the selection made?
Based on project quality, originality, home country relevance, academic background, and budget consistency.
7. How do candidates formalize the grant?
Selected applicants sign a grant agreement outlining responsibilities and funding conditions.
Final Takeaway
The Envolve-PhD Health Sciences program is a valuable opportunity for doctoral students from Portuguese-speaking African countries to receive financial, technical, and collaborative support. By funding research, training, and international mobility, the program strengthens scientific capacity, research autonomy, and regional impact in Health Sciences.
For more information, visit Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.